Alright I haven't had a computer for a while so sorry for not updating like I said I would. For the first week of just the large pile of fish flakes I only had readings of .25ppm ammonia. This week I've done the recommended dosage and yesterday (haven't had time to test water this morning) I had the same ammonia levels and a reading of 0.50 nitrites and 5.0 nitrates. So I guess this means I am on my way ^_^ thanks for all the advice. I will come home and test the water this afternoon and post my results.